When a tooth is missing in the jaw for an extended period of time, the bone at that location resorbs in both width and height. Proper treatment planning is crucial in determining if ideal bone volume is in place before an implant could be placed with predictable long lasting result.
In the case below resorption of the bone in three dimensions is observed, and the ideal treatment protocol requires an additional bone grafting procedure to build up the ridge before the implant can be placed. When required, bone grafting extends the treatment time for dental implant treatments. Nonetheless the long term treatment predictability merits the extra time and effort in treating everything right from the beginning.

Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.